Suspects Accused Of Impersonating Ontario Police Officers

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SANTA ANA (CBSLA.com) — Police on Wednesday asked for the public’s help in identifying an outstanding suspect and possibly additional victims linked to two Orange County men accused of impersonating police officers.

Jose Fernando Paredes, 26, and Rosa Tinoco, 36, were allegedly involved what police described as a “kidnap-for-robbery/stalking case” between Dec. 4, 2012 and Feb. 8 in which Paredes and an unknown male suspect claimed to be Ontario Police officers.

KNX 1070’s Mike Landa reports the scheme allegedly was hatched after a woman who was dumped by her boyfriend convinced two men to kidnap her ex-lover while posing as police officers.

“Originally, he thought they were Ontario police officers, that’s how they identified, they dressed like law enforcement officers,” said Santa Ana Police Cpl. Anthony Bertagna. “He quickly found out in fact they weren’t.”

Paredes and an unknown suspect committed the robbery at 1402 N. Spurgeon while wearing security guard web-gear, vests, and badges around their necks, according to Bertagna.

“They robbed him, they put him on his knees, and they beat him,” Bertagna said.

Paredes had several replica firearms with his security equipment and he also drove a Dodge Charger, similar to a police vehicle, police said.

The pair is believed to have targeted the victim from their prior contacts with him, police said, adding Tinoco appears to have been trying to talk Paredes into committing more robberies.

The outstanding suspect was described as a male Hispanic, 20 years old, 5’06” tall, 170 lbs., and may possibly be a security guard. He was last seen driving a charcoal gray 2007 Dodge Charger with chrome rims.

Anyone with additional information on this case is asked to call (714) 245-8545 or visit the OC Crime Stoppers website. Tipsters can also text message their tip with “TIP OCCS” to 274637 (CRIMES).